Parks and open spaces have been a part of Worcester's history since the City's founding. In the late 17th Century, the area that is now the Worcester Common, was used as a training ground for the militia, burial ground and the site of the settlers' meetinghouse. Over the past few centuries, this piece of land has evolved into the wonderful Worcester Common you see today. However, the best known historic park in Worcester is Elm Park. Purchased in 1854, using public funds, it is recognized as one of the first purchases of land for a public park in the United States. Both the Common and Elm Park are on the National Register of Historic Places.
Given Worcester's Central location, we are blessed with an abundance of park lands. Worcester has many parks throughout the city, which offer residents and visitors a wealth of activities with its vast array of green and blue space. Whether you are interested in going to a playground, discovering some of Worcester's history, having a picnic, playing a sport or just getting out and enjoying nature, there is a park for you!
You can watch the Open Space & Recreation Plan Updates and more on our Video Archive page.
City Park Plans
List Parks
| Park | Location |
|---|---|
| Apricot Street Playground | 65 Apricot Street |
| Bailey-Prouty Playground | 89 Prouty Lane |
| Ball Property | 59 Dane Avenue |
| Banis Street Playlot | 79 Houghton Street |
| Beaver Brook Park | 300 Chandler Street |
| Bell Hill (Chandler) Park | 184 Belmont Street |
| Bennett Field | 1258 Main Street |
| Betty Price Playground | 69 Laurel Street |
| Blackstone Gateway Park | 15 McKeon Road |
| Blithewood Park | 10 Blithewood Avenue |
| Boynton Park | 599 Mower Street |
| Burncoat (North) Park | 70 North Parkway |
| Burncoat Street Playground | 524 Burncoat Street |
| Cascades Park | 151 Cataract Street |
| City Hall Common | 99 Front Street |
| Coal Mine Brook | 616 Plantation Street |
| Coes Pond Parks | 72 Coes Street |
| Cookson Field | 103 Clay Street |
| Cristoforo Colombo (East) Park | 180 Shrewsbury Street |
| Crompton Park | 47 Quinsigamond Avenue |
| Dodge Park | 81 Randolph Road |
| Elm Park | 121 Russell Street |
| Fairmount Park | 22 Hemans Street |
| Farber Field | 90 Camelot Drive |
| Grant Square | 21 Northampton Street |
| Great Brook Valley Playground | 33 Northeast Cutoff |
| Green Hill Park | 301 Green Hill Parkway |
| Greenwood Park | 14 Forsberg Street |
| Hadwen Park | 19 Heard Street |
| Harrington Field | 720 Franklin Street |
| Harry Sherry Field (S. Worcester Playground) | 380 Cambridge Street |
| Holland Rink Playground | 441 Lincoln Street |
| Holmes Field | 201 Plantation Street |
| Indian Hill Park | 165 Ararat Street |
| Indian Lake Beach | 34 Sherburne Avenue |
| Institute Park | 82 Salisbury Street |
| Kendrick Field | 7 Brooks Street |
| Korean War Memorial | 52 Foster Street |
| Lake Park | 600 Hamilton Street |
| Lake View Playground | 125 Coburn Avenue |
| Logan Field | 539 Mill Street |
| Morgan Landing | 580 Grove Street |
| Mulcahy Field | 158 Dorchester Street |
| Oakland Heights Playground | 26 Park Hill Road |
| Oread Castle Park | 20 Alden Street |
| Providence Street Playground | 239 Providence Street |
| Ramshorn Island | 422 Belmont Street |
| Rockwood Field | 540 Chandler Street |
| Salisbury Park | 26 Massachusetts Avenue |
| Shore Park | 85 Shore Drive |
| Tacoma Street Playground | 285 Tacoma Street |
| Ty Cobb Park | 67 James Street |
| University (Crystal) Park | 965 Main Street |
| Vernon Hill Park | 144 Providence Street |
| Wetherell Estate Park (Duffy Field) | 55 Newton Avenue |
| Winslow & Pleasant (Peace) Park | 374 Pleasant Street |
Search Park Features
Programs & Initiatives
Dog Parks
The City's first ever off-leash dog park opened in August of 2017. This double-gated, fenced and secured area within Vernon Hill Park offers dogs and dog lovers a place to go and enjoy the company of other animals.
Parks & Recreation
Recreation Worcester
Recreation Worcester is a free year-round out-of-school time program run by the City of Worcester. Through after-school programs, students will engage with program staff and community partners in enriching, athletic, artistic and academic programming.
Summer Fitness Series
The goal of this program is to provide Worcester residents with opportunities to engage in healthy eating, active living, community building, and spending the summer becoming a healthier Worcester. We hope to see you there!
Special Features
Worcester Common Oval
The Worcester Common is located in the core of the City and home to a number of popular events such as the Out to Lunch Concert Series, annual festivals, outdoor activities and more.
Green Hill Golf Course
The City of Worcester Parks, Recreation, & Cemetery Division maintains and manages a par 72, 18-hole municipal golf course. City residents and non-City residents can enjoy an exciting round of golf.
Green Hill Park Farm
The Green Hill Park Farm is home to various gentle farm animals and is a great place for families with children looking for a leisurely activity on a nice day. The farm is free of charge and open to the public.
Blackstone Interpretive Signage
Providing historical and ecological info about the wildlife and plants in the area, as well as the Blackstone River and the role it played in the history of Worcester and the Blackstone Valley Corridor.